Expo showcases southern Illinois made products

MARION, Ill. -- More than a hundred local business owners showed off their products at the Southern Illinois Made Expo.

"We have soaps, lotions, bath and beauty products. I make wooden wine racks and accessories," said John Lipe.

Lipe is one of 132 vendors that showcased locally made products. This was the first year for the event put on by Senator Dale Fowler and the Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce.

"Small business is the backbone of our economic development here in Southern Illinois and throughout the entire nation, so it's important that we showcase these companies and products," said Sen. Fowler.

"It's been a good show. There's been a lot of traffic. It's been a well organized, well-publicized event," adds Lipe.

Business owners hope the event continues for years to come. All proceeds from admission and exhibitor fees will go towards the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois.

WSIL -- Operation Lifesaver is a railway safety organization, and one of their experts shared some important safety tips with News 3 following two recent accidents in which pedestrians were hit by a train in our area.

WSIL -- Operation Lifesaver is a railway safety organization, and one of their experts shared some important safety tips with News 3 following two recent accidents in which pedestrians were hit by a train in our area.

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